Shy guinea pig

[Nutter Butter]

My guinea pigs sister (Choco) has recently passed away due to pneumonia. We had already previously separated the sisters since they were both becoming aggressive toward each other. I’ve been trying to repair my relationship with Nutter Butter since she’s pretty shy and tends to nap a lot. I’ve been trying to coax her out of her cage with veggies for ages now but she just won’t budge. (This might be because the area she must enter is, what used to be, Choco‘s territory but she’s seen the place empty a couple times now so I’m still a bit confused.) She begins to panic whenever I attempt to pick her up to spend some quality time together and she always just sits in a corner whenever I manage to bring her out.
Got any advice?
Extra relevant information:
-I’ve owned Nutter Butter for about 2 years now
-Nutter Butter many not be aware of Choco’s parting
-I do plan on buying toys for her (I’m just not sure they’ll work)
-My mother does plan on getting her another guinea pig friend (but we’re still a bit worried about Covid-19)

 

[Siikibam]

The majority of guinea pigs don’t like being picked up as it triggers their prey instinct. You’re better off herding her into something then picking her up in it - cuddle sack, box, hide etc. Also bear in mind that not all like to be picked up or cuddled so go with her flow rather than thinking you can force her to enjoy it. I’d go back to basics and just offer her veg while she’s inside her cage. Also have a read of the links I’ve posted below.

Do make plans to get her a friend as soon as possible because they do better with company of their own kind, and they also need it.

Please can you add your location (county/state or country) to your profile. We have members from all over the world so its Useful to know where everyone is.

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

 

[Piggies&buns]

I am sorry for your loss.

As a prey animal, being picked up is incredibly scary for them. guinea pigs generally are not cuddly creatures, they are happier with their own kind than with humans. Also, when you bring her out, if the area is open with no hideys, then it will be scary for her. With her now being alone, then that will likely make her fear greater.

She will be aware of Choco’s death and she will have grieved/be grieving.
Generally, toys won’t be of interest but it doesn’t depend on what you mean. A cardboard tunnel or big piles of hay are usually a welcome form of enrichment for piggies.

Definitely do look to find her a friend though as she will be much happier. You do need to go about finding a friend the right way though as a successful bond comes down to character compatibility so you can’t just put two piggies together and assume it will all be fine.

One final thought, you say they were becoming aggressive with each other - it may be due to them not being compatible, but at two years old, ovarian cysts can occur and can be a reason why a change in behaviour and sudden aggression.

 

[Nutter Butter]

Thank you so much for your advice! My parents are reluctant to get another guinea pig so can you please answer some of their questions? I’ll keep adding to the list whenever they have a question.
Questions:
“One of my friends originally bought only one guinea pig. A couple months later, they bought a new critter but they rejected each other instantly. What caused this and what should we do if this happens?” (I suspect that they may have not introduced the two guinea pigs properly but I don’t know for sure)

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you so much for your advice! My parents are reluctant to get another guinea pig so can you please answer some of their questions? I’ll keep adding to the list whenever they have a question.
Questions:
“One of my friends originally bought only one guinea pig. A couple months later, they bought a new critter but they rejected each other instantly. What caused this and what should we do if this happens?” (I suspect that they may have not introduced the two guinea pigs properly but I don’t know for sure)

She really does need a new friend. At only two years old, she could well have another six years of life and to spend it alone would be a dreadful shame and it would impact on her wellbeing and life happiness.

You do need to carry out the introductions properly, but ultimately, it comes down to character compatibility as to whether they will get on. You can introduce two piggies in the perfect way, but If they don’t like each other then nothing will change that.

If two guinea pigs are not compatible in character, then they will not bond properly and will fight. Put simply, two guinea pigs have to like each other to form a friendship. If your friend simply went out and bought a new piggy with no regard to their character, then I am afraid this is why fall outs can occur. If you go down this route and buy a new friend, then you must always prepare for a failure in bonding as you can’t take account of their individual characters.
Getting a new friend for a single piggy by going to a rescue centre is the best way to go about it. Some centres offer dating, whereby you take your piggy to the centre and your piggy chooses the own new friend. This results in a good and successful bond simply because the two piggies chose each other and like each other.

 

[Nutter Butter]

She really does need a new friend. At only two years old, she could well have another six years of life and to spend it alone would be a dreadful shame and it would impact on her wellbeing and life happiness.

You do need to carry out the introductions properly, but ultimately, it comes down to character compatibility as to whether they will get on. You can introduce two piggies in the perfect way, but If they don’t like each other then nothing will change that.

If two guinea pigs are not compatible in character, then they will not bond properly and will fight. Put simply, two guinea pigs have to like each other to form a friendship. If your friend simply went out and bought a new piggy with no regard to their character, then I am afraid this is why fall outs can occur. If you go down this route and buy a new friend, then you must always prepare for a failure in bonding as you can’t take account of their individual characters.
Getting a new friend for a single piggy by going to a rescue centre is the best way to go about it. Some centres offer dating, whereby you take your piggy to the centre and your piggy chooses the own new friend. This results in a good and successful bond simply because the two piggies chose each other and like each other.

Thank you! My mother says that she’s planning on getting Nutter Butter a friend once Covid-19 isn‘t as serious and I’m glad that you’ve suggested such a good way for a new piggie to bond with her! To be honest, I don’t think that she thought that Nutter Butter could have such a long life span and you’ve definitely changed her mind!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you! My mother says that she’s planning on getting Nutter Butter a friend once Covid-19 isn‘t as serious and I’m glad that you’ve suggested such a good way for a new piggie to bond with her! To be honest, I don’t think that she thought that Nutter Butter could have such a long life span and you’ve definitely changed her mind!

That’s great!

Speak to any local rescue centres and perhaps get yourself on their waiting lists. Some may not offer dating though so it would mean you would have to carry out a bonding yourself, but we can help you with that when the time comes.